COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

DATE:

July 5, 2007

BOARD MEETING DATE:

July 24, 2007

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Rose Jacobs Gibson, President, Board of Supervisors

SUBJECT:

California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution adopting the California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights for San Mateo County as a guideline for parents, guardians, parks communities, private enterprises and all County and local agencies.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal 6: Children grow up healthy in safe and supportive homes and neighborhoods.

The California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights for San Mateo County contributes to this goal by providing a guideline for parents, guardians, parks communities, private enterprises, and County and local agencies of certain beneficial activities for children that contribute to their overall healthier development.

BACKGROUND:

Numerous studies have shown that children who participate in outdoor recreational activities are healthier, do better in school, have better social skills and self-image, lead more fulfilled lives, strengthen family relationships, and learn to be stewards of nature.

The California Roundtable on Recreation, Parks, and Tourism has drafted and adopted the California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights to draw attention to and encourage participation in ten beneficial outdoor activities that include: discover California’s past, splash in the water, play in a safe place, camp under the stars, explore nature, learn to swim, play on a team, follow a trail, catch a fish, and celebrate their heritage.

DISCUSSION:

The Directors of the County’s Department of Parks and Health Services Agency have requested that the County Board of Supervisors adopt the California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights and with the adoption of this document to support and encourage all County and local agencies to adopt, publicize, and facilitate California Children’s Outdoor Bill or Rights into programs and activities for the benefit of our youth in San Mateo County. The California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights is attached to the proposed resolution as Attachment A.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no impact on the County’s General Fund.